Gangtey Trek
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Nepal Myth & Mountain Trails Pvt. Ltd.
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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Read the full journey overview
Although the trek is possible throughout the winter, the best time for the Gangte Trek is between March-May and September-November. It is a short and relatively easy trek with several beautiful villages and monasteries en route. The trail winds through forests of juniper, bamboo, magnolia, and rhododendrons and over small streams of cold, clear mountain water. This trek is an excellent choice for those visitors not accustomed to trekking in the mountains as it offers beautiful views of the country with mostly gentle, forested slopes. The best time for this trek is between September-May.
The memorable moments
Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums. Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor. Marvel at the elaborate and ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples. Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to dense forests.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arrive Paro & transfer to Thimphu — In clear weather, Druk Air’s flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of Himalayan scenery. Whether flying along with the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, it is a fascinating journey, culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the Kingdom.
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Day 2Sightseeing in Thimphu — After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following: the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School or Arts & Crafts School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later visit the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.
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Day 3Thimphu – Gangtey, 135 km, 4.1/2 hours drive — After breakfast, drive to Gangtey across Dochu-La pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
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Day 4Gangtey Gompa – Gogona, Altitude : 3100m, 14 km, 5-6 hours walk — The trek leaves the valley at 2830m and leads south, then west through meadows and fields. It then climbs through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, rhododendrons, and magnolia. The trail is rough and rocky and weaves through trees where pack animals have created deep muddy furrows. After crossing Tsele La (3440m) the trail crosses several meadows and then descends through forests to Gangak (3020m). It is then a short climb to the camp at Gogona (3100m), a beautiful hilltop site overlooking a long valley. Nearby are Gogona Lhakhang and dozens of poles with white prayer flags fluttering.
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Day 5Gogona – Khotokha, Altitude : 2790m, 15 km, 5 - 6 hours walk — The trail winds gently up above Gogona village, past flocks of sheep and ploughed fields. Climb into a forest of firs, oak, spruce, dwarf rhododendron, miniature azaleas, cypress, and juniper. Much of the undergrowth is Daphne, the plant that is used for hand-made paper and may be identified by its yellow flowers. Then a long but gradual climbs leads to Shobju La pass (3410m). The trail down from the past is rocky and muddy, weaving through the forest and criss- crossing a small stream. Eventually, at about 3000m, the trail meets a rough trek used by tractors to collect wood from the forest. Follow the road, with a few short cuts through the woods, to a sawmill and woodcutters camp at Dolonaga (2830m). Still heading down, the trail overlooks the broad Khothangkha valley and eventually reaches a clearing, Chorten Karpo, where there are four Chortens dedicated to the four Je Khenpos who came from this area. Three of the Chortens are square, in Bhutanese style, and the fourth is Nepali style. The best camp is in this clearing at 2790m, beside a forest of large blue pine overlooking the valley and the village of Khothangkha, comprising about 60 rustic houses. Overnight camp.
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Day 6Khotokha - Tikke Zampa & transfer to Punakha, Altitude : 1300m, 12km, 5 hours walk — A short, steep climb along a well-known path takes you to Tashi La (2800m). This is the upper terminus of the cable car” that transports wood down to Chhuzomsa, 1300m below. The walk down is through a beautiful forest, with the undergrowth changing from rhododendrons and magnolia to ferns and dwarf bamboo. This stretch of trail is one of the finest bird-watching areas in Bhutan. Among the species found here are laughing thrush, shrike, magpie and woodpecker. The trail then plunges down past steep terraced wheat fields to a cluster of houses at Whachay. The trail eventually meets the road near Tikke Zampa at 1500m.
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Day 7Punakha – Paro, 125 km, 4 hours drive — Morning drive to Paro en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, oldest Dzong in the country built in 1627 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It now houses the Institute of Language and Cultural studies.
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Day 8Paro — Morning excursion to Taktsang Lhakhang popularly known as Tiger’s Nest (approx 5-hour walk). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor.
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Day 9Depart — After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.
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What's included in your experience
Included
- Sustainable Development Fees & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
- Experienced driver.
- Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses.
- All meals in Bhutan.
- All entrance fees and permits.
Not included
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone, and tips.
- Medical / Travel Insurance.
Essential trip information
Fitness & eligibility
2
Meeting point
Paro
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